]]>Do you have a program or project you would like to see funded? Learn how to apply for the ‘NLC Grants for 2020’ on next week’s FREE NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, September 11, 10:00am-11:00am CT.

The Nebraska Library Commission has made funding available for four grants for 2020: Youth Grants for Excellence, Internship, Library Improvement, and Continuing Education & Training. Join Christa Porter, Sally Snyder, and Holli Duggan, from the Nebraska Library Commission’s Library Development Team, as they provide an overview of the grants, including eligibility requirements, the application process and grant review, timelines and deadlines. They will also share some tips on writing effective grants.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

Sept. 18 – Coretta Scott King Book Awards: 50 Years Strong

Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech – Can Librarians Teach Robotics?

Oct. 2 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE THIS WEEK – ENJOY ILA/NLA/NSLA!

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2019/09/06/ncompass-live-nlc-grants-for-2020/feed/0256372020 NLC Grants are Open for Applicationshttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2019/08/12/2020-nlc-grants-open-applications/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2019/08/12/2020-nlc-grants-open-applications/#commentsMon, 12 Aug 2019 21:16:56 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=25478Do you have an idea for a program or project you would like to see funded? The Nebraska Library Commission has made funding available for four grants for 2020: Youth Grants for Excellence, Internship, Library Improvement, and Continuing Education & … Continue reading →

]]>Do you have an idea for a program or project you would like to see funded? The Nebraska Library Commission has made funding available for four grants for 2020: Youth Grants for Excellence, Internship, Library Improvement, and Continuing Education & Training.

Applications are being accepted for all NLC grants right now! Don’t let your library miss out on these opportunities!

For more information about these grants, watch the recording of the NCompass Live webinar, NLC Grants for 2020 (1 hour 10 minutes).

Youth Grants for Excellence makes funding available specifically for innovative projects for children and young adults in accredited public libraries and state-run institutional libraries in Nebraska. The program is designed to encourage creative thinking, risk-taking, and new approaches to address problems and needs of children and young adults in your community. This grant application is dueSeptember 30, 2019.

Internship grants work to introduce high school and college students to the varied and exciting work of Nebraska libraries. The internships are intended to function as a recruitment tool, helping the student to view the library as a viable career opportunity while providing the public library with the finances to provide stipends to the student interns. This grant application is dueOctober 16, 2019.

Library Improvement grants facilitate growth and development of library programs and services in Nebraska public and institutional libraries, by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes. This grant application is due November 13, 2019.

Continuing Education & Training grants help assist Nebraska libraries to improve the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library’s mission. This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering individuals $500 grants to attend the ARSL (Association for Rural & Small Libraries) 2020 Conference in Wichita, Kansas on Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd, 2020! This grant application is dueDecember 13, 2019.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2019/08/12/2020-nlc-grants-open-applications/feed/2254782018 NLC Grants are Open for Applicationshttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/10/11/2018-nlc-grants/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/10/11/2018-nlc-grants/#respondThu, 11 Oct 2018 13:50:19 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=23022Are you thinking about applying for one of the three NLC grants? Youth Grants for Excellence, Continuing Education/Training, and Internship Grants all are available right now! Don’t let your library miss out on these opportunities! Recent NCompass Live sessions have … Continue reading →

]]>Are you thinking about applying for one of the three NLC grants? Youth Grants for Excellence, Continuing Education/Training, and Internship Grants all are available right now! Don’t let your library miss out on these opportunities! Recent NCompass Live sessions have featured these grants and are available below.

Youth Grants for Excellence makes funding available specifically for innovative projects for children and young adults in accredited public libraries and state-run institutional libraries in Nebraska. The program is designed to encourage creative thinking, risk-taking, and new approaches to address problems and needs of children and young adults in your community. This grant application is due October 15, 2018. Applications must be received by the Nebraska Library Commission submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CT. You will be notified by November 16, 2018 if you are awarded a grant.

Continuing Education/Training grants help assist Nebraska libraries to improve the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library’s mission. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 7, 2018. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before January 11, 2019.

Internship grants work to introduce high school and college students to the varied and exciting work of Nebraska libraries. The internships are intended to function as a recruitment tool, helping the student to view the library as a viable career opportunity while providing the public library with the finances to provide stipends to the student interns. This grant application is due November 16, 2018. Applications must be received by the Nebraska Library Commission submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CT. The Award Announcement will be December 21, 2018.

For more information on these grants contact our Library Development Director, Christa Porter by email or at 402-471-3107.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/10/11/2018-nlc-grants/feed/023022Internship Grants Now Availablehttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/10/03/internship-grants-now-available/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2018/10/03/internship-grants-now-available/#respondWed, 03 Oct 2018 18:33:51 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=22996Nebraska Library Commission Internship Grants are now available! Accredited Nebraska public libraries are invited to apply for up to $1,000 to fund a high school or college intern in 2019. Applicants may partner with other types of libraries to provide … Continue reading →

Accredited Nebraska public libraries are invited to apply for up to $1,000 to fund a high school or college intern in 2019. Applicants may partner with other types of libraries to provide a variety of work settings – partnerships with other public, school, academic, or special libraries are encouraged. The deadline to submit an application is November 16, 2018.

This internship program works to introduce high school and college students to the varied and exciting work of Nebraska libraries. The internships are intended to function as a recruitment tool, helping the student to view the library as a viable career opportunity while providing the public library with the finances (up to $1,000 per library or branch) to provide stipends to the student interns. In the past student interns have helped the libraries expand programs, complete projects, improve websites, and expand social media use, while bringing fresh ideas into the library.

]]>Library and Information Services (LIS) class registration is now open at Central Community College for Summer 2018: May 21, 2018 – July 26, 2018 and August 20, 2018 – December 14, 2018.

Classes include:

Summer 2018

Reference Resources and Services, with Marty Magee, Instructor. This course covers use of print and digital resources, professional competencies, and the reference interview.

Fall 2018

Foundations of Library and Information Services, with Marty Magee, Instructor. This course provides introductory information in multiple areas including the history of libraries, foundational principles, databases and websites, library technology use, programming, and changing library roles.

Leadership and Management in Library and Information Agencies, with Michael Straatmann, Instructor. This course includes the theories, concepts and activities integral to leading and managing 21st Century libraries and information agencies.

Library and InformationServices Capstone Practicum, with Patty Birch, Instructor. In this final course in the LIS program, students complete 40 hours of service learning in a host library and review learning from the LIS program.

Library and Information Services (LIS) class registration is now open at Central Community College for Summer and Fall 2017 classes, see www.cccneb.edu/library

Classes include:

Summer 2017 – May 22 to July 27

Reference Resources and Services, with Marty Magee, Instructor. This course provides a background on professional competencies, ethical responsibilities, and the reference interview as well as effective use of print and digital resources including databases and websites.

Fall 2017 – August 21 to December 15

Foundations of Library and Information Services, with Marty Magee, Instructor. This course provides introductory information in multiple areas including the history of libraries, foundational principles, databases and websites, library technology use, programming, and changing library roles.

Leadership and Management in Library and Information Agencies, with Michael Straatmann, Instructor. This course includes the theories, concepts, and activities integral to leading and managing 21st Century libraries and information agencies.

Library and Information Services Capstone Practicum,with Erica Rose, Instructor. This course is the capstone course, the last in the Library and Information Services curriculum, and includes a review of principle pieces of learning from the LIS program. Students will complete 40 hours of service learning in a host library.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/04/07/register-now-library-information-services-classes/feed/019763MLS Classes Offered in Sioux Falls, SDhttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/03/20/mls-classes-offered-sioux-falls-sd/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2017/03/20/mls-classes-offered-sioux-falls-sd/#respondMon, 20 Mar 2017 14:24:58 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=19623Beginning in the Fall of 2017, the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) at Emporia State University will be offering classes in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The program is accredited by the American Library Association and offers a two-year, … Continue reading →

]]>Beginning in the Fall of 2017, the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) at Emporia State University will be offering classes in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The program is accredited by the American Library Association and offers a two-year, 36-credit-hour Master of Library Science degree that prepares students for careers as information professionals in all types of libraries and information agencies–public, academic, school, corporate, private, government, and special libraries.

Seven core courses are offered in a blended format, with some online coursework and some face-to-face time with professors. The face-to-face time is accomplished during weekend intensives, with classes held on Friday nights from 6:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Each core course requires two face-to-face weekends per semester. Most electives are in online format. Face-to-face classes will be held at Augustana University or Siouxland Libraries. Apply by July 1, 2017. For more information, contact Kathie Buckman at kbuckman@emporia.edu or 620-341-5065 or see https://www.emporia.edu/news/03/15/2017/get-your-mls-in-south-dakota/?

The Nebraska Library Commission will make up to $25,000 available to accredited Nebraska public libraries for internships through the 2017 Nebraska Library Internship Grant Program. The 2017 grant process mirrors the 2016 Internship Grant Program. The program works to introduce high school and college students to the varied and exciting work of Nebraska Libraries. The internships are intended to function as a recruitment tool in helping the student to view the library as a viable career opportunity while providing the public library with the finances (up to $1,000 per library or branch) to provide stipends to the student(s). In the past student interns helped libraries expand programs, complete projects, improve websites, teach classes, expand social media use, while bringing in fresh ideas to the library. Grant applications will be accepted electronically between October 21 and December 21, 2016. In this session, supervisors from select 2016 participating libraries will share their experiences from earlier this year–including successes and lessons learned. This session will also introduce the upcoming 2017 grant opportunity for internships, offered by the Nebraska Library Commission in partnership with Nebraska’s Regional Library Systems and supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

]]>Library and Information Services class registration is now open at Central Community College for Fall 2016: August 22, 2016 – December 16, 2016.

Classes include:

Foundations of Library and Information Services, with Marty Magee, Instructor. This course provides introductory information in multiple areas including the history of libraries, foundational principles, databases and websites, library technology use, programming, and changing library roles.

Leadership and Management in Library and Information Agencies, with Michael Straatmann, Instructor. This course includes the theories, concepts and activities integral to leading and managing 21st Century libraries and information agencies.

The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Nebraska Library Internship Grants totaling $31,600 to twenty-six Nebraska public libraries. These internship grants will support public library interns, who will contribute to the scope and value of the diverse programs and activities in Nebraska’s public libraries. Funding for the project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission, in partnership with the Nebraska Library Systems.

“The internships are a great opportunity for students to get involved in library work. Beyond earning money and gaining valuable work experience, the student is exposed to the broad range of library services and programming. Internships provide an opportunity for the student to view the library as a viable and satisfying career choice. In addition, interns bring a fresh perspective and their own unique talents to the library” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner.

Student interns will learn about library work as they shadow and assist with day-to-day library operations and implement special projects. Some of the activities that students will participate in include: plan and implement programs such as summer reading programs, storytime, youth book club, and teen activities; assist with events such as the annual book sale, art show, photography contest, 3-D printing workshop, entrepreneurship camp, and Lego club; organize a “do-it” center; create book displays, design bulletin boards and craft activities; assist with outreach events outside the library; update the library’s website, Facebook page, and Pinterest site; assist with circulation activities and book selection; teach technology classes; create flyers and other promotional materials, and work with youth to produce a video; upload content to digital archives and assist in the creation of a volunteer training process for digital repository project; assist with verbal and written Spanish/English translations; assist in creating the library’s technology plan; and create tutorials for library customers.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information.

Nebraska’s Regional Library Systems consist of four non-profit corporations governed by boards, representative of libraries and citizens in the region. The four systems were established to provide access to improved library services through the cooperation of all types of libraries and media centers within the counties included in each System area.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov/.

###

The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission home page, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/, search on News Releases.

]]>
Register Now for Online Library & Information Services Courses through Central Community College

Online Course Offerings: January 11, 2016 – May 5, 2016

LIBR 2150 Managing Collections in Libraries and Information Agencies,
Patty Birch, Instructor
This course will provide students with an understanding of managing collections in libraries and information agencies, including:

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/12/15/community-college-lis-courses-start-jan-11/feed/016402Apply for Internship Grants by Dec. 17http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/12/04/apply-for-internship-grants-by-dec-17/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/12/04/apply-for-internship-grants-by-dec-17/#respondFri, 04 Dec 2015 21:18:08 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=16321Two weeks left for Accredited Public Libraries to submit a 2016 Nebraska Library Internship Grant application to receive up to $1,000 to fund a high school or college intern in 2016! The final deadline to submit your application is Thursday, … Continue reading →

]]>Two weeks left for Accredited Public Libraries to submit a 2016 Nebraska Library Internship Grant application to receive up to $1,000 to fund a high school or college intern in 2016! The final deadline to submit your application is Thursday, December 17 at 5:00 p.m. Interns bring a wealth of ideas and enthusiasm to Nebraska library services–and as you can see in the attached photo, they are often invaluable as technology mentors for library customers.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/12/04/apply-for-internship-grants-by-dec-17/feed/016321Enroll Now for Library and Information Services Online Courseshttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/07/31/enroll-now-for-library-and-information-services-online-courses/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2015/07/31/enroll-now-for-library-and-information-services-online-courses/#respondFri, 31 Jul 2015 14:36:42 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=15265Enrollment is now open for Central Community College online courses in Library and Information Services (http://www.cccneb.edu/library/). Fall 2015 courses include: LIBR 1010 Foundations of Library and Information Services, Marty Magee, Instructor This course, the recommended first in the Library and … Continue reading →

This course, the recommended first in the Library and Information Services curriculum, provides introductory information in multiple areas including the history of libraries, foundational principles, databases and websites, library technology use, programming and changing library roles.

This capstone course is the last course in the Library & Information Services program. Students will complete forty hours of service learning in a host library. The course also includes a review of the principle pieces of learning from the LIS program. Prerequisites: LIBR 1010, 2100, 2150, 2210, & 2250

Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded 21st Century Librarian scholarships to eight Nebraska students in undergraduate Library Science programs. Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner commented, “The 21st Century Librarian scholarships are helping to ensure that Nebraska libraries have educated and skilled staff to serve the thousands of Nebraskans who rely on libraries for a variety of needs each and every day. We congratulate these students for their efforts to improve their knowledge and skills and wish them the very best toward their educational and career goals.”

For more information about Nebraska’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills program, see http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov. For a list of all current scholarship recipients, see http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov/Scholarshipsrecipients.asp. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov. As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-“bringing together people and information.”

anyone who assists students through the process of learning about, receiving, and repaying financial aid for their higher education.

What information is in the Financial Aid Toolkit?

The toolkit consolidates financial aid resources into a searchable online library, making it easy for users to quickly access the information they need to support their students. The searchable library provides resources covering the entire financial aid lifecycle from applying for financial aid to repaying loans and includes items such as

“financial aid night” materials and presentations,

brochures,

videos, and

sample tweets and Facebook posts.

The toolkit also offers professional development information such as training opportunities and resources for self-instruction.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2014/02/25/nebraska-librarians-encouraged-to-help-library-customers-access-financial-aid-toolkit/feed/011040There’s Still Time to Apply for a 21st Century Librarian Scholarshiphttp://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2014/02/10/theres-still-time-to-apply-for-a-21st-century-librarian-scholarship/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2014/02/10/theres-still-time-to-apply-for-a-21st-century-librarian-scholarship/#respondMon, 10 Feb 2014 20:07:21 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=10997The Nebraska Library Commission is accepting online applications for its 21st Century Librarian Scholarship program through March 3, 2014(http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov/Scholarships.asp). These scholarships are for students pursuing a degree or certificate in Library and Information Science at the Associate’s and Bachelor’s levels. … Continue reading →

]]>The Nebraska Library Commission is accepting online applications for its 21st Century Librarian Scholarship program through March 3, 2014(http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov/Scholarships.asp). These scholarships are for students pursuing a degree or certificate in Library and Information Science at the Associate’s and Bachelor’s levels. Legal residents of the state of Nebraska are eligible to apply. Transcripts (as required) are due February 18, 2014; and letters of recommendation, if mailed, are due February 18, 2014. Scholarships of up to $3,500 will be awarded, depending on the degree or certificate the applicant is pursuing and the applicant’s course plan.

Scholarships may be used for tuition (for coursework contributing toward a certificate or degree, including general education classes), course-required materials, and school-assessed fees at the following levels:

Library and Information Science (LIS) Professional Certificate

Associate of Arts or Science Degree in Library and Information Science (LIS)

Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree/Endorsement with a major in Library and Information Science or Library Media

Scholarship students meet up: Monica Tidyman (r.) had the opportunity to complete her practicum at Hastings Public Library, where Dana Still (l.) works.

Scholarship recipients will be eligible to apply for stipends for such things as laptop or tablet computers, Nebraska Library Digital Literacy Coaching Corps, professional association dues, and regional or national conference attendance.

NOTE: Due to the significant number of applications for the Nebraska Library Commission master’s-level scholarships (funded through the Librarians for the 21st Century Program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services), as of July 1, 2012, graduate-level scholarships will no longer be available. Scholarships DO continue to be available for undergraduate Library Science studies, including LIS certificates, and Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

]]>In this series, New Faces, the Nebraska Library Commission interviews someone from the next generation of Nebraska librarians.

Today we are speaking with Donna Christiansen, Director at the Plainview Carnegie Library in Plainview, Nebraska. Donna received her certificate in Library and Information Services program from Central Community College in December 2012. She is a 2011-2013 Nebraska Library Commission / Institute of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian scholarship recipient.

NLC: How is it you went to library school?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I started as a children’s librarian and found out about the Nebraska Library Commission and the Scholarship program to get a library certificate. I thought this would be good to get since I wanted to improve my knowledge of librarianship and of course become a Library Director someday.

NLC: Did you receive a scholarship from the Nebraska Library Commission? How did it help you with getting an education and in your career aspirations?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: Yes, I received a scholarship from the NLC. It helped me tremendously; without it I probably wouldn’t have been able to get my Library Certificate. Especially with the extra help of providing me a new laptop and the ability to attend a national conference. With the new laptop I was able to do my online classes and attending the national conference helped me network with other library students and librarians.

NLC: What brought you to the world of library work?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I enjoyed being a library aide in high school and I love to read and help people with computer issues. I started as the Children’s Librarian at the Plainview Carnegie Library in February of 2011. Then in September 2011 the Library Director retired so I was able to apply for the Library Director position and in October I became the Director.

NLC: What’s the most useful non-library work experience you bring to a library job?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: For a couple of years I had my own business, so I guess my business experience of handling money, etc., is what I bring to the library job.

NLC: What do you find most rewarding in your library job?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I find helping patrons very rewarding. Whether it is helping them find a book, helping them with the computer, or watching the story time children do their craft projects to see them smile and having fun is very rewarding.

NLC: What do you find most challenging in your library job?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: Having all the books that people want to read. But thankfully there is the Interlibrary Loan program so it is easy to locate a book for a patron if we don’t have it.

NLC: How would you like to make a difference in the lives of library users or in the community your library serves?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I would like to make the library be the center of the community, where the citizens can come and relax, read a magazine, check out a book, check their e-mail and use the computer, just be there for the citizens to use.

NLC: What does the future hold for libraries?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I believe that libraries are more than just books and magazines. The future will be to let everyone know that the library offers more than what they believe a library is or was. We offer programs, computers, wireless Internet, and much more that we really have to promote that the library is much more than books and magazines.

NLC: What does the future hold for librarians?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I believe that librarians are going to have to embrace the new technology that is out there and to think outside of the box to keep the library in the forefront of the community it serves.

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I would say my library role model would be the former Plainview Library Director, Loydell Swan. She gave 27 years to the library so I learned a lot working with her before she retired.

NLC: Please share a favorite quote, and why it’s your favorite.

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: “A well-stocked, well-staffed library is like a gardener who plants books, knowledge, and dreams and grows readers, learners, and do-ers,” by Laura Purdie Salas. I just believe that this quote says what I believe a library is.

]]>http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2014/02/06/new-faces-donna-christiansen/feed/010842There’s Still Time to Apply for Internship Grants — Applications due Feb. 18, 2014http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2014/01/30/internship-applications-due-feb-18-2014/
http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/2014/01/30/internship-applications-due-feb-18-2014/#respondThu, 30 Jan 2014 15:18:30 +0000http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/nlcblog/?p=10910The Nebraska Library Commission’s Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program offers support for internships through grants to accredited public libraries. Application deadline is Feb. 18, 2014. In partnership with the Nebraska Library Association and funded through a grant from the … Continue reading →

Internship grants range from $500 to $1,000. Library grantees will recruit, select, and hire their interns. Usually, interns are hired as contract workers and paid on a stipend rather than an hourly wage, but the terms of employment are determined by the library’s governing body. Interns provide valuable assistance with library service activities and local library programming. Library staff help introduce interns to the joys of library service careers. Partnership projects involving collaboration between a public library and another type of library will be given special consideration.

2014 intern Saresse Clay returns from school to implement the Story Walk project she designed during her summer internship.

To the right is a Facebook post by the Rock County Public Library showcasing their 2013 intern Saresse Clay. Saresse designed a Story Walk project during the summer and implemented the project in November 2013.

Web conferencing: NLC staff are available by phone and through e-mail to discuss general issues relating to the internship grant program. We also invite you to the recorded NCompass Live webinar, Internships: Cultivating Nebraska’s Future Librarians, to learn more about the program from previous grant recipients and to listen to the questions and comments of other participants. In this session, participating libraries and intern Saresse Clay shared their experiences with the internship program, including successes and lessons learned. This session also introduced the 2014 grant opportunity for internships, including information on writing a winning proposal.

As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services — “bringing together people and information.”

The Nebraska Library Association is the cornerstone of the Nebraska library community. The Association advocates for its members, enriches their professional lives, advances the lifelong learning of all Nebraskans, and promotes all library interests in Nebraska. For more information, visit http://nebraskalibraries.org.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit http://www.imls.gov.

Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded 21st Century Librarian scholarships to sixteen Nebraska students in undergraduate Library Science programs. Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner commented, “The 21st Century Librarian scholarships contribute to a workforce equipped to provide the kind and quality of library services expected in Nebraska’s communities and schools. The Nebraska Library Commission is pleased to support Nebraska students involved in library science education programs. We offer our best wishes to these students in pursuing their educational and career goals.”

Students who wish to apply for scholarships for a Library and Information Services Professional Certificate (offered through Nebraska’s community colleges), an Associate of Arts or Science Degree in Library and Information Services, or for a Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree with a major in Library and Information Science or Library Media, should submit application materials by March 3, 2014.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

In this series, New Faces, the Nebraska Library Commission interviews someone from the next generation of Nebraska librarians.

Today we are speaking with Libby Munsell, Library Assistant and Interlibrary Loan Librarian at the Kilgore Memorial Library in York, Nebraska. Libby began her studies through the Library and Information Services program at Central Community College, and she received her Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in Library Science from the University of Nebraska Omaha in December 2013. She is a 2012 and 2013 Nebraska Library Commission / Institute of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian scholarship recipient.

NLC: How is it you went to library school?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I have always enjoyed my trips to the library, but I didn’t really consider working in a library until high school. I took a Career Education class and one of my suggested jobs was librarian. Since we were required to do volunteer hours to graduate and I decided to volunteer at the library. My job consisted of shelving DVDs and audio books and straightening the magazine collection. I had a wonderful experience—I enjoyed the organization, the peaceful atmosphere, and the staff that were so willing to help me. I researched my options for library programs across the state and decided to start with Central Community College classes to make sure that the library was the place I wanted to be. A year after I graduated high school, I got a part-time job at the Kilgore Memorial Library in York to shelve children’s books. At that time, I knew for sure that I was in the right program.

NLC: What did you learn in your coursework that surprised you the most? Complete the sentence, “I had no idea….”

LIBBY MUNSELL: …that acquiring and preparing a book for the public involved so many steps! When I learned that managing collections and cataloging involved so much thought and detail, I gained a new appreciation for the work that librarians do.

NLC: Did you receive a scholarship from the Nebraska Library Commission? How did it help you with getting an education and in your career aspirations?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I received a 21st Century Librarians Scholarship from the NLC and it has been helpful in multiple ways. First of all, it made getting my degree a more financially affordable option. The scholarship also included a stipend for association membership, conference attendance, and the purchase of a laptop computer. I was able to attend my first Nebraska Library Association Conference last year and it was a great opportunity for me to meet new people and learn from others’ library experiences. While I have not used my association membership to the fullest, I receive emails that keep me up to date on events and information that is important to me as a library assistant and as a library student. The stipend money for a laptop was helpful because it allowed me to have my own laptop that I could use to bring to classes. In addition, I can bring my laptop when I travel to work on my online classes. As a scholarship student, I have been made aware of extra training opportunities and it has encouraged me to always seek new information and build my skills to better work with the public.

NLC: What brought you to the world of library work?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I’ve always loved books—reading them, organizing them, talking about them. I also have an appreciation for technology and the way it connects people and makes information so easily accessible. I knew that I wanted to work in a library because I wanted to be a part of helping the public access the information that they want or need.

NLC: What’s the most useful non-library work experience you bring to a library job?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I worked at a fast-food restaurant for a while when I was looking for a library job. I think that, even though it wasn’t my favorite job, it helped me learn how to deal with the public. I learned that it is important to be kind and patient with everyone, even the people who are obviously in a really bad mood. In a fast-food restaurant, I was there to serve them the food they ordered. In a library, I am here to help them find the information they need.

NLC: What do you find most challenging in your library job?

LIBBY MUNSELL: As of right now, I am the “techie” of the staff. When there is a question related to computers or e-readers, I am generally the one that is asked to help or fix the problem. Most of the time, it is a simple fix such as entering a password or formatting a Word document. When I don’t know how to do something, it is challenging for me to figure out the answer. I think I utilize Google a lot more than people realize. There is almost always other people in the world who encounter the same problem and post their answers on the internet. Though it is a challenge to search for the right answers, I enjoy the challenge and feel accomplished when I can show a patron what I learned and make using technology easier for others.

NLC: Please share a story of how your library work has made a difference in the life of a library user.

LIBBY MUNSELL: I’ve had a couple one-on-one meetings with patrons who need help accessing Overdrive on the e-readers. I like to show them that I don’t always know how to do everything on every device, and if we work together we can solve the problem. I enjoy having conversations with them where I am helping them learn how to use their device and use our library at the same time. I can see that I make a difference when they tell me what they learned and leave the library with an e-reader full of books and a desire to come back. [Ed. note: Libby has shared other stories on the Nebraska Library Storybank, such as Interlibrary Loan Expands Paperback Collection and DVD Collection Expanded Through Interlibrary Loan.]

NLC: What does the future hold for libraries?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I think that libraries are still all about accessing and using information. In the future, libraries will have to follow the trend of digital and instant information to even reach the public. Libraries will be spaces for exploration and creation. I hope that the printed word doesn’t go away completely, but whether it does or not, libraries will still be relevant because librarians can provide the assistance to make finding information easier for patrons.

NLC: What does the future hold for librarians?

LIBBY MUNSELL: Librarians of the future will be flexible and eager to learn. Information and the way we access it is changing, so librarians need to be willing to change with the public so that they stay relevant in their communities. It comes down to community assessment—what are the community’s information needs and how can the library be useful?

NLC: What are you reading right now? What are your hobbies?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I’m reading Insurgent by Veronica Roth and The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller, both for pleasure. I also enjoy keeping up with food blogs, personal blogs, and library blogs. I love to read (of course!) and cook. Cooking is my way of unwinding from the day and taking a break from homework.

NLC: Please share a favorite quote, and why it’s your favorite.

LIBBY MUNSELL: “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” I just came across this quote [by Atwood H. Townsend] a couple days ago in The Book Whisperer. It’s a new favorite because it’s true to my life. I need to find the time to read because it helps me grow. I learn new things, I understand myself and others better, and I can take a break from everything that worries me.